Sunday, June 29, 2008

EDM #165: The Front of My House



This is the front of my house from the one-lane street I live on. As you might be able to tell, it sits slightly down from the street. My wife and I designed and built it back in 2000, a life experience and result for which I am grateful on a daily basis.

I used Tombow markers, graphite pencils, and some watercolor pencils. I tried to use my trusty Pitt pens, but they wouldn't work because of the nature of the paper (architectural tissue paper) and the color pencil build-up. I think the disconcerting lack of dimension in the foliage is due to this. In hindsight, I would have done all the ink work and shadowing first, but I was experimenting with laying down colors first (after a pencil sketch). Two interesting things I learned tho' were 1) the Tombow 'blender' pen also blends the watercolor pencil marks, and 2) by using drawing tissue paper I was able to color some things (like the roof) on the backside of the paper. By doing this, the lines on the front side remained unclouded.

So...anyway, I am thinking that I might back off on the more concentrated pieces and try to just 'draw' a few of the EDM challenges without alot of complexity...and possibly more frequently. There are plenty of people whose work I admire doing exactly that...with great personal success.

12 comments:

Teri said...

You did a gorgeous job on this! And I am amazed that you and your wife designed and built it! Amazing job all the way around!

Sharon said...

A charming depiction of your home, Rock. It looks quite inviting. Now that I know of your intention to draw again, I'll check your blog more frequently. I always enjoy your artwork!

Anonymous said...

I tried to comment on this yesterday and failed. I'm not sure what I am up to. I love the way your house is set in the garden - surrounded by greenery. And so interesting they way you've mixed your media.

Laurel Neustadter said...

This is fanastic. The mixed media and your talent gives the piece a unique look. Very nice!

kazumiwannabe said...

Nice house! The drawing looks great, and the explanations are very interesting, too. Thanks for sharing!

Timaree said...

It looks like a lush,comfy, private spot to me so even if the depth you wanted isn't there it's a great drawing.

Ryan said...

Beautiful. I like the idea of the clear paper and coloring on the back. Love the colors of the foliage.

Gillian Mowbray said...

What a stylish way to record your home. I like the framing - it all works so well. x

Anonymous said...

I just love this! Those little bits of bright colour dashed through -- the smudginess looks wind blown! Fab job!

Maureen said...

Love this sketch. I didn't realize you had problems with it until I read your passage, because it looks well executed to me.

And, don't you love when you learn something new? I sure do.

Donn said...

What a beautiful painting and a beautiful job at designing your own home. Lucky you. Like the privacy it provides too. Nice work.

flicka said...

You have such a Raoul Dufy-esque way with color. The translation of color for me is exhilarating and full of light and air and the beauty of growing things in all glory. I love the way your home sits within such vibrancy, and how wonderful your home is!